Cracking hydrocarbons over laminar heavy metal aluminosilicates

ABSTRACT

Hydrocarbons are catalytically cracked using a catalyst made from Laminar 2 : 1 layer-lattice aluminosilicate minerals containing intra-lattice multivalent ions such as nickel, copper, cobalt. Procedures for preparing the inventive minerals are given.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of application Ser. No. 508,339, filed Sept. 23,1974, (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,744), which is a continuation in part ofmy application Ser. No. 291,252, filed Sept. 22, 1972, (now U.S. Pat.No. 3,852,405), entitled "Laminar Heavy-Metal Aluminosilicates".

This invention relates to nickel aluminosilicates, and more particularlyto a novel group of mixed layer laminar heavy metal aluminosilicates andto their employment in catalytic reactions.

Compounds of alumina and silica of the most diverse types not only occurin nature but have been variously compounded and synthesized, and havebeen found to have varying degrees of catalytic activity for suchreactions as hydrocarbon cracking, hydrocarbon reforming, variousorganic syntheses and conversions, and the like. The make-up of thisvery broad class of substances varies not only with respect tocomposition, but with respect to crystallinity, and encompasses suchmembers as relatively amorphous silica-alumina cracking catalysts,relatively well crystallized acid-activated clays, highly crystallinezeolite minerals, both natural and synthesized, and others. A particulartype furnishing a background for the present invention is that describedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,252,757, issued May 24, 1966, and describing a mixedlayer laminar silicate mineral, which has been found to have utility asa catalyst for many kinds of catalytic reactions.

Because of the very broad range of possible substances derived primarilyfrom alumina and silica, it is not surprising that research in thisbroad field over nearly a century continues to yield novel types with,in some cases, surprising and unexpected properties, with suitabilityfor particular reactions not shared by other members of the broad group.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel group of heavymetal aluminosilicates and processes for making them.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel group ofaluminosilicate catalysts, having useful catalytic characteristics.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the descriptionthereof proceeds.

Generally speaking and in accordacne with illustrative embodiments of myinvention, I provide a synthetic laminar 2:1 layer-latticealuminosilicate mineral possessing an inherent negative charge balancedby cations exterior to said lattice and corresponding to the followingformula for a given embodiment:

    [ (G.sup.3.sub.4-ew Y.sup.2.sub.3w).sup.VI (Q.sup.4.sub.8-x R.sup.3.sub.x).sup.IV O.sub.20 (OH).sub.4-f F.sub.f ] .sup.. [ dC.sup. y ]

Where

2≦ e< 3

0≦ w≦ 2

0≦ ew≦ 4

0≦ (e-2)w≦ 1/3

0.05≦ x< 2

F≦ 4

0.05≦ dy≦ 2

Wherein said first bracket represents the average unit cell formulationof said layer-lattice and said second bracket represents said chargebalancing cations; and wherein

G is selected from the class consisting of trivalent cations having anionic radius not to exceed 0.75 A and mixtures thereof, provided that Gis less than 100 mole percent A1 when w= 0;

Y is selected from the class consisting of divalent cations having anionic radius not to exceed 0.75 A and mixtures thereof; provided that Yis less than 100 mole percent Mg when w =2;

Q is at least 95 mole percent silicon ions, the remainder consisting oftetravalent cations having an ionic radius not to exceed 0.64 A;

R is selected from the group consisting of trivalent cations having anionic radius not to exceed 0.64 A and mixtures thereof; and

C is at least one charge-balancing cation, with y being its valence andd being the number of such cations C where:

    dy= x+3(e-2) w

In the above statement of the nature of G, Y, Q, and R, it will be notedthat those substituents other than aluminum and silicon are designatedin terms of ionic radius and ionic charge. It is further clear from theformulation given that G, while consisting predominantly of aluminumions, may include a minor proportion of trivalent ions isomorphouslysubstituted for some of the aluminum ions without affecting the overallcharge; and that Y consists of divalent metallic ions eitherisomorphously substituted for a like number of aluminum ions, whereby acharge deficit results, or substituted on the basis of three divalentions for two aluminum trivalent ions with no resulting charge deficit,or a mixture of both. In like manner, it is clear that Q, whileconsisting predominantly of silicon ions, may include a minor proportionof tetravalent ions isomorphously substituted for some of the siliconions without affecting the overall charge; while R consists of trivalentions isomorphously substituted for some of the silicon ions withoutaffecting the overall charge; while R consists of trivalent ionsisomorphously substituted for a like number of silicon ions, whereby acharge deficit results from the substitution of a trivalent ion for atetravalent ion.

The specific elements which are included in the above formulation otherthan aluminum and silicon are relatively small in number, because of thelimitations imposed by the stipulated ionic charge and ionic radius.

For the sake of convenience, a tabulation follows in which the elementsusable in accordance with the invention are listed. It will be clearthat this listing results from checking each element against its knownvalence states and its known ionic radius for each applicable valencestate, taking into account the coordination number where the latteraffects the ionic radius. Tables of ionic radius for various elementshave appeared in the literature during the last half century, and in thecase of disparity among the values given for a specified element, thebest value had been chosen in the light of all of the known data, andthis best value is the one which appears in the tables which follow.

    ______________________________________                                        G: Trivalent - Maximum 0.75 A°                                         Aluminum (Al)          0.50                                                   Chromium (Cr)          0.64                                                   Manganese (Mn)         0.62                                                   Iron (Fe)              0.60                                                   Cobalt (Co)            0.63                                                   Gallium (Ga)           0.62                                                   Rhodium (Rh)           0.68                                                   Scandium (Sc)          0.73                                                   Y: Divalent - Maximum 0.75 A°                                          Beryllium (Be)         0.31                                                   Iron (Fe)              0.75                                                   Magnesium (Mg)         0.65                                                   Nickel (Ni)            0.69                                                   Cobalt (Co)            0.72                                                   Copper (Cu)            0.72                                                   Zinc (Zn)              0.74                                                   Q: Tetravalent - Maximum 0.64 A°                                       Silicon (Si)           0.41                                                   Germanium (Ge)         0.53                                                   R: Trivalent - Maximum 0.64 A°                                         Aluminum (Al)          0.50                                                   Chromium (Cr)          0.64                                                   Manganese (Mn)         0.62                                                   Iron (Fe)              0.60                                                   Cobalt (Co)            0.63                                                   Gallium (Ga)           0.62                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Returning now to the formulation given hereinabove, the first bracketrepresents the laminar layer-lattice unit cell formulation, which as wasexplained hereinabove possesses an inherent negative charge by reason ofthe fact that the positive charges of the cations are less than thenegative charges of the anions. since the inventive preparation as awhole is electrostatically neutral, the charge-balancing cations whichare necessarily present are external to the lattice and are representedby the second bracket, in which C stands for the charge balancingcations taken as a whole, with y being their average charge and d beingthe number of charge-balancing cations per unit cell. It will berecognized that in this formulation, C may actually correspond to alarge variety of charge-balancing cations simultaneously present, suchas for example a mixture of hydrogen, sodium, calcium, and the likecations.

In accordance with a more particular formulation, the composition of thecharge-balancing cations in the second bracket may conveniently berepresented as follows:

     [aM.sup. n + bA1 (OH).sub.3-z.sup. 2 ]

wherein

    an+ bz= dy= x+3(e- 2)w

and M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonium,alkali metal cations, multivalent metal cations other than aluminum, andpartial hydroxides of multivalent metal cations, and n is theunsatisfied valence of M.

As will become apparent from the further description of my invention,this second, more particular characterization of the charge-balancingcations corresponds more closely to the products initially obtained inaccordance with my preferred mode of preparation. Moreover, it providesexplicitly for any hydroxyaluminum cations which may be present. It willbe understood that such hydroxyaluminum cations are commonly present asa mixture of species, as described for example in U.S. Geological SurveyWater-Supply Paper 1827-A (1967), which is incorporated herein byreference. However, since these charge-balancing cations are essentiallyexchangeable without disturbing the lattice itself, the latter beingrepresented by the first bracket, after having made a given preparationin accordance with the invention by a preferred procedure, it isrelatively simple to exchange a portion or indeed substantially all ofthe cations in the second bracket for some other preselected cation ormixture of cations. Thus, for example, referring to the first generalformulation given hereinabove, the charge-balancing cation C can at willbe selected from such diverse species as lithium, rubidium, palladium,hydroxyaluminum, hydroxynickel, trimethylammonium, alkyl phosphonium,and the like cations and indeed mixtures thereof. Thus, C may beselected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earthmetal, heavy metal, heavy metal partial hydroxide, ammonium, substitutedammonium, substituted phosphonium, and the like cations and mixturesthereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, accordingly, that the firstbracket of the above formula relates to a fixed array of ions in atripartite lamina which for convenience may be described asmuscovite-like, and in which the positive ions shown in the firstparenthesis are in octahedral coordination with sheets comprisingoxygen, hydroxyl, and fluoride ions; whereas the positive ions shown inthe second parenthesis in the first bracket are in tetrahedralcoordination jointly with the aforesaid sheets of oxygen, hydroxyl, andfluoride ions, and also with sheets of oxygen ions in essentially ahexagonal ring array, constituting the external faces of the tripartitelamina. The positive ions shown in the second bracket have noessentially fixed position, but are in effect external to the lattice ofthe tripartite lamina.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that when some of theparameters in the above formulations have values outside of thestipulated ranges, the formulations reduce to representations of variousend members of a broad group of laminar aluminosilicates, which ofcourse are outside of the scope of the present invention. Thus, forexample, when w and x both equal zero, and no fluoride ion is present,the first bracket describes the mineral pyrophyllite. From the firstequation set forth under the formula, it will be seen that the factor dis equal to zero, so that the ionic species set forth in the secondbracket are not present, which of course results from the fact that thelattice of pyrophyllite is charge-balanced. Again, for the case in whichx equals zero, w equals two, e equals two, and no fluoride is present, amineral results in which the lattice is likewise charge-balanced. andthe ionic species set forth in the second bracket are not present. Sucha mineral is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,875, to Cornelis et al.

In general, 2:1 layer-lattice aluminosilicate minerals or in alternativenomenclature, tripartite aluminosilicate minerals of the type concernedin the present invention, may be classified as either dioctahedral ortrioctahedral, depending upon whether the number of cations per unitcell in the octahedral (or inner) layer is approximately 4 or 6respectively. The foregoing structural formula is as stated an overallformula for a given preparation, and the fact that the number of suchoctahedral cations may vary from 4 to 6 in a continuous manner in theformulation given does not mean that a single lamina is present havingsuch an intermediate number of cations. In point of fact, the individuallaminae are believed to be either dioctahedral or trioctahedral, and ina given preparation the relative proportions of the dioctahedral andtrioctahedral species will give rise to the numerical values obtained inquantitatively characterizing the preparation in accordance with theforegoing formula. Where e in the formulation is intermediate between 2and 3, accordingly, both 1:1 and 3:2 substitutions are present. Becauseof the extremely small particle size of the minerals in accordance withthe invention, the exact physical nature of these mixed phase systems isuncertain. In any case, the products in accordance with the inventionwhich are produced by simultaneously synthesizing both phases in placein a single reaction mixture to produce a mixed-phase mineral differsignificantly from compositionally similar mixtures obtained by simplymixing together the separately synthesized dioctahedral andtrioctahedral members.

It may be emphasized that each product made in accordance with theinvention is a simple mineral species, even though it may contain twophases, because in the latter case the phases are believed to beinterlaminated on a scale substantially that of the individual layerlattices. Any naturally occurring clay exhibiting this construction isgenerally referred to as a mixed-layer mineral.

The minerals in accordance with the invention are synthesized by ahydrothermal route, detailed examples of which will be given later. Theprocedure follows in a general way that set forth in the aforementionedU.S. Pat. No. 3,252,757, except that the cited patent does not relate tothe inventive aluminosilicates, which contain additional elements, sothat the reaction mixtures required in the present invention aresubstantially different. As will be evident from the structural formulaalready given, the reaction mixture of the hydrothermal synthesisincludes a source of one or more multivalent cations other than aluminumand silicon. For example, for the case of nickel, this may be arelatively soluble compound, such as for example, nickel acetate, nickelfluoride, nickel nitrate, and the like; or it may be a relativelyinsoluble nickel compound such as nickel hydroxide. It is of interestthat in general the inclusion of soluble nickel salts in the reactionmixture tends to cause the nickel to occur predominantly in thetrioctahedral phase, while relatively insoluble nickel compounds promoteits occurrence in the dioctahedral phase. The terms are well understoodin the art, and a brief explanation in addition to that already givenmay be found on page 156 of the book by George Brown "The X-RayIdentification and Crystal Structures of Clay Minerals", London 1961.The classical paper by Ross and Hendricks "Minerals of theMontmorillonite Group", U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 205-B(1945) is helpful, particularly for its treatment of variation of themembers of a given series of laminar aluminosilicate minerals.

For the other elements useful in practising the invention, such ascobalt, gallium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and so forth, as morefully listed hereinabove, the most commonly available simple inorganicand organic compounds thereof may in general be used, as will be evidentto those skilled in the art. Specific examples will be given later.

Some specific examples of the synthesis of heavy metal aluminosilicatesin accordance with the invention will now be given. From these examples,the general procedure will be clear. It may be noted that if one desiresa higher or lower ratio of some particular selected heavy metal tosilicon, or a higher or lower ratio of aluminum to silicon in the finalproduct, the relative proportions of these components in the reactionmixture should be adjusted accordingly. The various specific examplesillustrate this.

For the sake of an orderly presentation of the examples, the first oneswhich follow illustrate the practice of the invention where nickel isthe sole multivalent lattice cation besides aluminum and silicon. Laterexamples show other heavy metals and mixtures thereof.

Examples A and B are of interest as illustrating the effects of using arelatively insoluble nickel source on the one hand, as in Example A, andof using a relatively soluble nickel source on the other, as in ExampleB.

In Example A, the nickel occurs predominantly in the dioctahedral phasewhere it proxies for Al⁺ ⁺ ⁺. In Example B, the nickel is predominantlyin the trioctahedral phase. In both examples, more dioctahedral phase ispresent than trioctahedral, although more so in the case of Example A.

These examples follow:

EXAMPLE A

Forty grams of commercial silicic acid (Fisher), assaying 79% SiO₂, weredispersed in one liter of distilled water. To this dispersion wereadded, with stirring, 70.8 g of AlCl₃. 6H₂ O and 17.6 g NiCl₂. 6H₂ O.When solution of these chlorides was complete, 75 ml of aqua ammonia(29% NH₃) were then added to precipitate the hydroxides. The slurry wasfiltered and washed three times with water by reslurrying andrefiltration. The final cake was dispersed in water, 3.0 g NaOH(previously dissolved in a small amount of water) added, and the slurrymade up to one liter.

This slurry was placed in a Type 347 stainless steel Amincosuperpressure bomb, with an inside diameter of 2 9/16 " and an insidedepth of 21", equipped with a standard Aminco closure. Heating andstirring were furnished by a standard Aminco heating jacket mounted on arocker assembly. The jacket temperature was controlled by an off-ondevice. The bomb was vented, at the boiling point of the contents andwithout rocking, until the air had been displaced from the vessel. Thevent was then closed, rocking started, and the temperature allowed toclimb to the control point, 285° C. At the end of the scheduled reactiontime of 48 hours, heating was discontinued, and the autoclave andcontents allowed to cool, with continued rocking. The product slurry,which had a pH of 6, was filtered and the cake redispersed in aquaammonia and refiltered twice, followed by one such treatment withdistilled water. The final filter cake was dried at 110° C. It isestimated that in the final product, the unit cell parameters were w=1/3 (or ˜ 1 Ni/u.c.) and x= 0.8 (i.e., up to 0.8 Al IV/u.c.), dependingon the distribution of Al between the IV-sites and the charge-balancinghydroxyaluminum species.

EXAMPLE B

346 g of hydrated alumina, Al₂ O₃ .3H₂ O (Alcoa C 31, 64.9% Al₂ O₃) wereadded with stirring to a polysilicic acid sol which was prepared bypassing sodium silicate solution over hydrogenresin. The volume of solwas chosen so as to contain 317 g SiO₂. 8.95 g of NH₄ F.HF were thendissolved in this silicaalumina slurry. In a separate vessel, 19.1 g ofNiF₂.4H₂ O were dispersed in 63.0 g of an ammonium hydroxide solutionassaying 58.8% NH₄ OH. This ammoniacal slurry was then added to thesilica-alumina dispersion, with stirring. If gel formation occurred,sufficient water was added to break the gel so that efficient stirringcould continue. The final feed slurry, with a pH= 8.5, was charged to a1-gallon stirred autoclave, heated quickly (1- 11/2 hr.) until pressureline-out at 1240 psig (300° C.), and maintained at this T,P conditionfor 3 hours. The product was cooled in the pressure vessel, removed,sheared in a blender to insure homogeneity, and a small quantity driedfor analysis. The product slurry had a pH= 7.4. The dried sample had atotal nickel content of 1.30% (as Ni); the non-exchangeable Ni contentwas 1.2%. The sample gave an X-ray diffraction pattern typical of 2:1layer-lattice silicates.

Pd was placed on the clay by adding to 1535 g of product slurry asolution which contained 4.185 g of (NH₄)₂ PdCl₄ dissolved in 125 ml ofdeionized water. The slurry was stirred (with mild agitation) overnightat room temperature, and then filtered. The filter cake was washed twiceby redispersion in deionized water and refiltration. The final filtercake was air-dried at 110° C., cooled, and crushed to 10/20 meshparticles. The final catalyst contained 1.4% Ni and 0.8% Pd.

EXAMPLE C

This synthesis was similar to Example B, described above, except thatthe proportions of the starting materials were altered to yield a clayof approximately 10% Ni content. The feed slurry was composed of 2890 gof polysilicic acid sol (which contained 5.2% SiO₂), 164 g Al₂ O₃ .3H₂O, 95.5 g NiF₂ .4H₂ O and 42.7 g of NH₄ OH solution (which contained 47%NH₄ OH). The feed and product pH were 8.4 and 8.5 respectively. Thetotal nickel content of the product was 11.1% (as Ni); thenon-exchangeable nickel content was 9.9%. Pd was added as previouslydescribed; the finished catalyst contained 10.1% Ni and 0.8% Pd.

EXAMPLE D

25 pounds of Si0₂ (as polysilicic acid sol assaying 5.2% SiO₂) werepumped into a feed mix tank equipped with an efficient high-torquestirring system. To this silica sol were added with stirring 27.3 poundscommercial trihydrate of alumina (which assayed 64.9% Al.sub. 2 0₃),23.5 pounds of nickel acetate.4-hydrate (which contained 23.7% Ni)previously dissolved in 10 gal H₂ O and 1.24 pounds of NH₄ F.HF (purityof 96%) already in solution in one gal H₂ O. With continued stirring,sufficient aqua ammonia was added to bring the slurry pH to 8. This pHadjustment was accomplished with 13 pounds of aqua ammonia, whichcontained 48% NH₄ OH. The final volume of slurry was about 75 gal.

After approximately 10 hr. of agitation, the feed slurry was pumped intoa 100 gal jacketed autoclave, heated by electric heaters immersed inDowtherm. The autoclave was sealed and heating started. After 12 hr-45min., temperature lined out at 300° C. and a pressure of 1240 psig. Thecontents were maintained at these conditions for 4 hrs. at which timedrawdown through a quench condenser and expansion valve was started.Total time for discharge was 1 hr. A small sample was dried, examinedand found to be a 2:1 layer-lattice aluminosilicate which contained 9.6%Ni. A portion of the product was retained as slurry for after-treatmentby Pd impregnation as previously described.

EXAMPLE E

260 gms of nickel acetate 4-hydrate (NiAc₂.sup.. 4H₂ O) were dissolvedin 500 ml of deionized water and added, with stirring, to a sufficientquantity of polysilicic acid sol (assay: 5.2% SiO₂) to contain 150 gmsof SiO₂. With continued stirring, 7.45 gm of NH₄ F.sup.. HF (purity:96%) and 33.3 gm of aqua ammonia (47% NH₄ OH) were added, in the ordergiven. The resultant mixture was placed in a 1-gal stainless steelstirred autoclave and heated quickly (11/2 hrs) to 300° C. and 1240psig. The contents were maintained at these conditions for 4 hours.Heating was then discontinued and the product slurry cooled in thepressure vessel, removed, and oven-dried at 110° C.

While the products in accordance with the invention are wellcrystallized, the actual size of the crystal does not lend itselfreadily to characterization by the older methods of opticalcrystallography. Much more precise are the results obtained by x-raydiffraction, and by way of further characterization of the products inaccordance with the invention, there follow tabulations of spacings andintensities obtained on a number of products in accordance with theinvention. Tables I-IV inclusive show such x-ray diffraction data fortwo series of products made along the lines indicated in Examples B- Einclusive.

The products tabulated in Table I consist, except at the end members, ofmixed di- and trioctahedral phases. The Ni-free end member is "pure"dioctahedral; the Ni₆ sample is "pure" trioctahedral. In theintermediate range, the amount of trioctahedral phase increases with theNi/unit cell. The products summarized in Table III are "pure"trioctahedral.

In the series shown in Tables I and II, the aluminum content was heldconstant at one and one half atoms per unit cell while the nickelcontent was varied from zero to six atoms per unit cell. A summary ofthe results obtained is given in Table I, with a more detailedtabulation in Table II. It will be understood that the first member ofthis series, in which no nickel is present at all is outside of thescope of the invention; the results are shown merely for comparativepurposes.

In the series for which results are given in Tables III and IV, thenickel content was held constant at six atoms per unit cell, while thetetrahedral aluminum was varied from zero to two atoms per unit cell.Here again, the first member of the series, containing no aluminum, isoutside of the scope of this invention and the results are included inthe tabulation for comparative purposes. Table III is a summary, andTable IV shows the results in detail for even member of the series.pg,20

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________    SUMMARY                                                                       Ni VARIABLE, X = 1.5                                                          d,A                                                                           Index*  Ni/u.c.:0                                                                            1/8   1       2       3       4     5     6                    __________________________________________________________________________    00l                                                                           001     10.6   11.8  11.3    11.3    13.0.sup.b                                                                            13.4.sup.b                                                                          13.4.sup.b                                                                          13.6.sup.b           002     5.18   5.68  5.34    5.24    --      --    --    --                   003     3.41   3.26  3.37    3.34    --      --    --    --                   004     --     --    --      --      3.30    3.26  3.24  3.29                 005     2.061  2.065 --      --      --      --    --    --                   hk                                                                            11;02   4.46   4.46  4.50    4.48    4.48    4.50  4.55  4.54                 13;20   2.57   2.56  2.58    2.57    2.58    2.58  2.61  2.58                 31;15;24                                                                              1.691  1.687 1.699   1.67    1.691   --    --    --                   06      1.499  1.492 1.517).sup.a                                                                          1.522).sup.a                                                                          1.520).sup.a                                                                          1.522 1.524 1.522                                     1.502)  1.502)  1.500)                                   hkl                                                                           131(Prob.)                                                                            2.453  2.45  2.453   2.42    2.466   2.47  --    2.51                 __________________________________________________________________________     *Significant peaks only. See detailed tables for intensity data. Basal        sequence may involve mixed layering. If so, indices would be mixed; e.g.      003/004.                                                                      .sup.a Doublet consisting of di- and trioctahedral components.                .sup.b Probably intercalated acetate                                     

                                      TABLE II                                    __________________________________________________________________________    Ni VARIABLE, x = 1.5 (BASED ON STARTING COMPOSITION)                          Ni = 1/8 u.c.                                                                        Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    11.8   001/001 172               Strong, Symmetrical                          5.68   002/002(?)                                                                            18                Weak, Symmetrical                            4.46   11;02   148     5.5 mm, w/2*                                                                            Strong, Asymmetrical                         3.26   003/004 48                Symmetrical                                  2.56   13;20   65                Asymmetrical (band, 2.31-2.62)               2.45   hk      36                Shoulder                                     2.065  00 (?)  18                Symmetrical                                  1.687  31; 15; 24                                                                            20                Asymmetrical                                 1.492  06      42      12 mm,    Slightly Assymetrical                                               w at h/2**                                               *w/2 = half-width at baseline. For asymmetrical peak, smaller distance      **w at h/2 = width at half-height                                             __________________________________________________________________________    Ni = 1/u.c.                                                                          Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    11.32 A                                                                              001/001 140               Strong, well defined                         5.34   002/002 11                Weak, Symmetrical                            4.50   11; 02  147     7.5 mm w/2                                                                              Asymmetrical, Sharp                          3.37   003/004 (?)                                                                           47                Symmetrical, broad                           2.583  13; 20  102               Asymmetrical, Mod. sharp                     2.453  hk      56                Symmetrical (?)                              1.699  31; 15; 24                                                                            17                Asymmetrical, broad                          1.517  06      22                Doublet - 1.517 is                           1.502          48                 a shoulder on low-angle                                                      side of 1.502                                __________________________________________________________________________    Ni = 2/u.c.                                                                          Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    11.32  001/001 135               Not well-defined                             5.24   002/002 6                 Symmetrical                                  4.48   11; 02  122     6 mm w/2  Strong, sharp, asymmetrical                  3.34   003/004 40                Symmetrical, broad                           2.57   13; 20  93                Asymmetrical, Mod. sharp                     2.42   hk      55                Asymmetrical                                 1.67   31; 15; 24                                                                            13                                                             1.522  06      35                 Doublet - about equal                       1.502          35                height; trioct. dioct.                       __________________________________________________________________________    N = 3/u.c.                                                                           Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    13.0   001/001*                                                                              190               May have intercalated acetate                4.48   11; 02  90      11 mm w/2 Asymmetrical                                 3.30   003/004*                                                                              40                Broad, symmetrical                           2.576  13; 20  96                Mod. sharp, asymmetrical                     2.466  hk      61                Ill-defined                                  1.691  31; 15; 24                                                                            15                Broad                                        1.520  06      53                Doublet - 1.500 A a shoulder                 1.500                             on high angle side of 1.520                                                  tricot.                                      *Uncertain due to complications due to mixed layers.                          __________________________________________________________________________    Ni = 4/u.c.                                                                          Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm                                                                            Comment                                                __________________________________________________________________________    13.4 A 001/001*                                                                              201               Ill-defined - may have                                                        intercalated acetate                         4.50   11; 02  56      14 mm w/2 Asymmetrical                                 3.26   00      38                Broad, symmetrical                           2.58   13; 20  86                Asymmetrical                                 2.47   hk      58                Broad shoulder on 2.58                       1.522  06      67                Asymmetrical - tailing toward                       side                                                                   __________________________________________________________________________                                     high angle side                              Ni = 5/u.c.                                                                          Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    13.4   001     200  mm           Uncertain height - not                                                        well defined                                 4.55   11; 02  58   mm 9 mm w/2  Asymmetrical                                 3.24   00      45                Symmetrical                                  261    13; 20  90                Asymmetrical - band head                                                      band extends 2.64 1.97                       1.524  06      87                Asymmetrical - tails toward                                                   high angle side                              *Uncertain due to complications due to mixed layers.                          __________________________________________________________________________    Ni = 6/u.c.                                                                          Probable                                                               d,A    Index   Height, mm        Comment                                      __________________________________________________________________________    13.6   001*    192               Poorly defined - may be                                                       intercalated acetate                         4.54   11; 02  59      9 mm w/2  Asymmetrical                                 3.29   004*    40                Very broad, symmetrical                      2.58   13; 20  83                Broad, band-head of band                                                      extending from 2.64 1.97 A                   2.51   hk      84                Part of above band                           1.522  06      98      14 mm, width                                                                            Mod. sharp asymm. tailing                                           at h/2    to high angle side                            *Uncertain due to complications due to mixed layers.                         __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                        SUMMARY                                                                       Ni = 6, x = VARIABLE                                                          AL.sup.IV /u.c.                                                               Index*  0        1/2      1      1.5    2                                     ______________________________________                                        00l                                                                           001     9.6      11.6     13.4.sup.a                                                                           13.6   --                                    002     --       --       --     --     --                                    003     3.145    --       --     --     --                                    004     --       3.25     3.32   3.29   3.42                                  005     --       --       --     --     --                                    hk                                                                            11;02   4.55     4.55     4.56   4.54   4.53                                  13;20   --       2.62     2.59   2.58   2.62                                  22;04   2.27     --       --     --     --                                    31;15;24                                                                              --       --       --     --     --                                    06      1.522    1.522    1.524  1.522  1.526                                 hkl                                                                           131(prob)                                                                             2.51     --       --     2.51   2.51                                  ______________________________________                                          *Significant peaks only. See detailed tables for intensity data. Basal       Sequence may involve mixed-layering. If so, indices would be mixed; e.g.,     003/004. Also, possible intercalation of acetate may affect 00.               .sup.a This particular sample, when oriented and glycol treated, gave an      001 of 17.7 A.                                                           

                                      TABLE IV                                    __________________________________________________________________________    Ni 6, x VARIABLE                                                              x 2.0 (expectation value)                                                                 Probable                                                          d,A         Index Height, mm                                                                          Comment                                               __________________________________________________________________________    4.53        11;02 48.5          Asymmetrical                                  3.42        004*  46            Broad, symmetrical                            2.62        13;20 83    14 mm, w/2                                                                            Very broad, part of band                                                      extending from 2.64 A 1.97                    2.51        hk    85            V. broad; part of same band.                  1.526       06    78    16 mm, w at h/2                                                                       Moderately sharp; slightly                                                    asymmetric.                                   NOTE: 001 is not defined; slight trace of kaolinite-like phase at 7.08        A.                                                                            x 1.5 (expectation value)                                                                 Probable                                                          d,A         Index Height, mm    Comment                                       __________________________________________________________________________    13.6        001   192           Poorly defined.                               4.54        11;02 59    9 mm, w/2                                                                             Asymmetrical                                  3.29        004*  40            Very broad, symmetrical                       2.58        13;20 83            Broad; part of band                           2.51        hk    84            extending from 2.64 1.97 A                    1.522       06    98.5  14 mm, w at h/2                                                                       Moderately sharp; slightly                                                    asymmetric                                     *Uncertain due to complications due to mixed layers.                         x 1.0 (expectation value)                                                                 Probable                                                          d,A         Index Height, mm    Comment                                       __________________________________________________________________________    13.4        001   191           Well-defined on oriented slide:               (expanded to 17.7 A             poorly-defined on random slide.               w/glycol treatment)                                                           4.56        11;02 61    11 mm, w/2                                                                            Asymmetrical                                  3.32        004*  41            Very broad, symmetrical                       2.59        13;20 83            Asymmetrical band extending                                                   from 2.661 1.97                               1.524       06    90    14 mm, w at h/2                                                                       Moderately sharp; slightly                                                    asymmetric.                                   x 0.5 (expectation value)                                                                 Probable                                                          d,A         Index Height, mm    Comment                                       __________________________________________________________________________    11.6        001/001                                                                             224           Strong, well-defined.                         4.55        11;02 81    7 mm, w/2                                                                             Asymmetrical                                  3.25        003/004                                                                             57            Broad, symmetrical                            2.62        13;20 hk                                                                            84            Band-head listed. Band extends                                                2.64 1.97 A, asymmetrical.                    1.522       06    114   9 mm, w at h/2                                                                        Sharp; slightly asymmetric                    x 0                                                                                       Probable                                                          d,A         Index Height, mm    Comment                                       __________________________________________________________________________    9.6         001   227           V. strong, well-defined, symm.                4.55        11;02 97 mm 8 mm, w/2                                                                             Asymmetrical                                  3.145       003   93            Moderately sharp, symm.                       2.51        13;20 106)          Band (strongly asymm.)                        2.27        22;04 47)           2.64 1.97                                     1.522       06    120   8 mm, w at h/2                                                                        Sharp, slightly asymmetric                     *Uncertain due to complications due to mixed layers.                         __________________________________________________________________________

Returning now to Example A, as already noted, and as may be seen fromthe details set forth in the example, the nickel occurs predominantly inthe dioctahedral phase. A tabulation of x-ray data for the product ofExample A is set forth in Table 5, which follows.

                                      TABLE V                                     __________________________________________________________________________    w = 1/3 (ca. 1 Ni per unit cell) and x = 0.8 (expectation value)                    Probable                                                                d,A   Index Height, mm                                                                          Comment                                                     __________________________________________________________________________    12.0  001/001                                                                             100            Ill-defined, symmetrical                           4.45  11;02 134   8 mm, w/2                                                                              Sharp, asymmetrical                                3.16  003/004                                                                             35             Broad, slightly asymmetrical                       2.55  13;20 64             Broad, asymmetrical                                1.686 31;15;24                                                                            15             Broad, asymmetrical                                1.491 06    37    18 mm, w at h/2                                                                        Asymmetrical on low-angle side                                                indicating a small amount of                                                  trioctahedral component                            __________________________________________________________________________

From size considerations alone Ni² ⁺ is expected to occupy octahedralsites and to be excluded from tetrahedral sites in the layer structure,or to occupy charge-balancing sites either as Ni² ⁺ or as ahydroxy-nickel species. Al³ ⁺, however, can occupy octahedral,tetrahedral, or charge-balancing sites; in the latter case, ahydroxy-aluminum species is to be expected. The diffraction data in theprevious tables show 06 reflections typical of mixeddioctahedral/trioctahedral minerals. Furthermore, the trioctahedral 06(>1.505A) peak height increases, and the dioctahedral 06 (<1.505A) peakheight decreases, as the overall average Ni per unit cell varies overthe range 0 to 6. In addition, reference is made to the attached drawingwherein the intensity of the trioctahedral 06 reflection, corrected forchange in the mass absorption coefficient as Ni increases and A1decreases, is plotted as a function of the expected overall averagelevel of Ni, i.e. the expected overall average Ni per unit cell based onfeed composition. In the drawing, h(06_(tri)) is the 06 peak height inchart units; μ/p is the mass absorption coefficient and the Ni/unit cellis equal to 3w as defined in the formula given at the beginning of thisspecification. Note that the intensity is a linear function of Ni/u.c.and that the line extrapolates to zero intensity at zero nickel level.The line w in FIG. 1 is the best fit for the experimental points whichrepresent values of x from 0.5 to 1.45 and values of 3W of from 0 to 6.For this particular system, any amount of nickel added (within thecompositional limits) crystallizes as a trioctahedral nickel silicatewhich may or may not contain 4-coordinated A1. Thus, in this system, anymixture of NiO and Al.sub. 2 0₃ which contains less than the amount ofNi required for 6 Ni/u.c. will form mixed dioctahedral-trioctahedralphases.

As already stated, one of the principal fields of utility for productsmade in accordance with the invention is in the field of hydrocarbonconversion, such as for example catalytic cracking. In a series ofcracking experiments in which cumene was passed over samples of theinventive preparations at 350° C., the results set forth in Table 6 wereobtained. In this tabulation, the first 12 entries represent cumenecracking results on various preparations made along the general lines ofExamples B-E inclusive. For each sample, the values of w and of x aregiven, based upon the structural formulation presented earlier in thisspecification. The last entry in Table 6 is for a preparation made inaccordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,658,875, cited hereinabove, and whichresults in a lattice which is charge-balanced, as already noted, and forwhich accordingly x equals zero. This parparation is termed nickelmontmorillonite in the patent, although I consider that a more exactterm is nickel talc.

The first column of figures in Table 6 gives the percent conversion,which is the volume percent conversion of cumene to all productscorrected to 100% mass balance. The latter is the ratio of the mass oftotal products recovered to the mass of cumene fed, multiplied by 100 .The experimental figures are given in the last column of Table 6.

The catalytic apparatus used was essentially a micro device, twomicroliters of cumene being slugged at a flow rate of an inert carriergas of 0.5 cubic centimeters per second. The table shows two duplicateruns, from which the excellent reproducibility of the results may bejudged.

This cracking test essentially determines the ability of the catalyst tocrack the aliphatic side chain from the benzene ring. That the samplesin accordance with the invention were highly successful in doing this isclear from the table. Also worthy of note is the remarkably low figurefor the nickel talc shown in the last line of th table; this substancehad no cumene cracking activity whatsoever at the temperature employedin the test.

                  TABLE VI                                                        ______________________________________                                        Cumene Cracking                                                               Description of Sample                                                                        % Conversion                                                                              Mass Balance. %                                    ______________________________________                                        w = 1, x = 1.5 100.0       32.6                                               Duplicate run  100.0       31.3                                               w = 1, x = 1.0 100.0       74.9                                               w = 1, x = 0.5 96.3        84.5                                               w = 1, x = 0.25                                                                              98.7        68.3                                               w = 1, x = 0.125                                                                             98.6        73.7                                               w = 1, x = 0.062                                                                             97.4        72.2                                               w = 4/3, x = 1.5                                                                             84.0        81.0                                               w = 2, x = 1.5 100.0       63.0                                               Duplicate run  100.0       71.7                                               w = 2, x = 1.0 94.0        54.9                                               w = 2, x = 0.5 100.0       48.7                                               U.S. 2,658,875:                                                               w = 2, x = 0   0.0         101.8                                              ______________________________________                                    

The foregoing examples have illustrated the employment of nickel in theinventive aluminosilicates. Next, a group of examples will followshowing other heavy metals used in accordance with the invention.

EXAMPLE F

40 gms silicic acid (assaying 79% SiO.sub. 2) were dispersed in 1 literof H.sub. 2 O. with continued stirring, 70.8 g AlCl.sub. 3.sup. .6H.sub. 2 O and 17.6 g cobalt chloride, CoCl.sub. 2.sup. . 6H.sub. 2 O,were dissolved in the silica slurry. At this point 75 ml of aqua ammonia(29% NH.sub. 3) were added to precipitate the mixed hydrous oxides. Theslurry was filtered and washed by redispersion and filtration through atotal of three wash cycles. The filter cake was dispersed in water, 3.0g NaOH dissolved in the dispersion, and the total volume made up to 1liter. The pH at this point was 9.5.

The slurry was placed in a super-pressure bomb and heated, with rocking,at 285° C. for two days. The pressure was 1040 psi. After cooling, thebomb was opened and the product slurry filtered. The filter cake waswashed (by redispersion and refiltration) twice with aqueous ammonia andonce with water, and then dried in an oven at 110° C.

EXAMPLE G

30.35 gm of ball-milled silicic acid (79% SiO.sub. 2) and 6.00 gm ofgermanium oxide, GeO.sub. 2, were dispersed in 1 liter of water. Withcontinued stirring, 55.05 g of AlC.sub. 3.sup. . 6H.sub. 2 O weredissolved in this silica-germania slurry. The hydrous oxide of aluminumwas then precipitated by the addition of 75 ml of aqua ammonia (29%NH.sub. 3). This final slurry was filtered and washed with water byredispersion and filtration through three cycles. The filter cake wasredispersed in H.sub. 2 O, 1.80 g NaOH dissolved in the mixture, and thetotal volume brought to 1 liter by adding additional water. The slurrywas charged to a super-pressure bomb and treated, with rocking, at 285°C. and 1040 psi for 2 days. After cooling, the bomb contents werefiltered and then washed, by redispersion and refiltration, twice withaqua ammonia and once with water. The final filter cake was dried in anoven at 110° C.

EXAMPLE H

40 g of ball-milled silicic acid (79% SiO.sub. 2) were dispersed inwater and, with continued stirring, 70.8 g of AlCl.sub. 3.sup. . 6H.sub.2 O and 19.72 g chromium chloride, CrCl.sub. 3.sup. . 6H.sub. 2 O, weredissolved in the silica slurry. At this point, 75 ml of aqua ammonia(29% NH.sub. 3) were added to precipitate the hydrous oxides. Thismixture of silica, chromia, and alumina was filtered and washed withwater by redispersion and refiltration, through three cycles. The finalfilter cake was dispersed in water, 2.36 g of NaOH dissolved in themixture, and the volume made up to 1 liter with additional water. Theslurry was charged to the Aminco super-pressure bomb and treated at 285°C. with 1040 psi for 48 hours. After cooling, the product slurry wasfiltered and the cake washed twice with aqua ammonia and once withwater, by the previously described redispersion technique. The finalfilter cake was dried in an oven at 110° C. EXAMPLE I

In a manner similar to Example H, a product was prepared from 40 gball-milled silicic acid (79% SiO.sub. 2); 70.8 g AlCl.sub. 3.sup. .6H.sub. 2 O; 20.19 g ferric chloride, FeCl.sub. 3.sup. . 6H.sub. 2 O; 75ml aqua ammonia (29% NH.sub. 3); 2.36 g NaOH; and sufficient water andadditional ammonia to carry out the various operations.

EXAMPLE J

In a manner similar to Example F, a product was prepared from 40 g ofball-milled silicic acid (79% SiO₂); 70.8 g AlCl₃.sup. . 6H₂ O; 7.52 gcupric fluoride, CuF₂ ; 75 ml aqua ammonia (29% NH₃); 2.36 g NaOH; andsufficient water and additional ammonia to complete the variousoperations.

EXAMPLE K

28.5 g SiO₂ (as 500 g polysilicic acid gel) were dispersed in 200 mlwater and 21.6 g Al₂ O₃.sup. . 3H₂ O (commercial Alcoa C-33 aluminatrihydrate) added, with continued stirring, to give a silica-aluminaslurry. 12.1 g zinc silicofluoride, ZnSiF₆.sup. . 6H₂ O, were dissolvedin 100 ml water and added to the above slurry, again with vigorousstirring. Finally, 1.03 g NH₄ F were dissolved in 2.5 ml H₂ O and addedto the mixture, also with stirring. The small beaker containing the NH₄F solution was rinsed into the mixture with additional water. The volumeof this final mixture was brought to 1000 ml with additional water; thepH at this point was 6. 900 ml of the mixture were charged to thesuper-pressure bomb and treated at 300° C. and 1240 psig for two days.After cooling the product was filtered, washed with water, and dried inan oven at 110° C.

EXAMPLE L

500 g of polysilicic acid gel which contained 28.5 g SiO₂ were dispersedin 250 ml of water, together with 21.8 g of Al₂ O₃.sup. . 3H₂ O,(commercial Alcoa C-33 alumina trihydrate). In a separate vessel, 1.03 gNH₄ F, 2.5 ml aqua ammonia (29% NH₃) and 3.53 g ammonium paratungstatewere dissolved in 450 ml of water with vigorous stirring. Theparatungstate was slow to dissolve and as this solution was added to thesliica-alumina slurry, with stirring, it was noted that some undissolvedparatungstate was present. The total volume was brought to 1350 ml withadditional water (at this point the pH 9), and 1000 ml were charged tothe super-pressure bomb and treated at 300° C. and 1240 psig for twodays. After cooling, the product slurry pH was 7.7. The slurry wasfiltered, washed with water, and the filter cake dried in an oven at110° C.

EXAMPLE M

In a manner similar to Example K, a mineral was synthesized from: 500 gpolysilicic acid gel (containing 28.5 g SiO₂); 10.5 g magnesiumsilicofluoride, MgSiF₆ ; 1.03 g NH₄ F; 2.5 ml NH₄ OH; and sufficientwater to bring final volume to 1300 ml. 1000 ml were charged to the bomband treated hydrothermally at 300° C., for two days. The product wasfiltered, washed with water, and dried in an oven at 110° C.

EXAMPLES N, O, P, Q, R

These five examples constitute a series of increasing magnesium content.The manner of preparation was the same for all five examples, except forthe quantities of aluminum chloride, sodium chloride, and sodiumhydroxide. The procedure was as follows:

To 40 g of diatomaceous earth (Celite 521) dispersed in one liter ofdistilled water, there were added, with stirring, A g of AlCl₃.sup. .6H₂ O, and B g of MgCl₂.sup. . 6 H₂ O. After solution was complete, 150ml of aqua ammonia (29% NH₃) were added, with continued stirring, toprecipitate the hydrous oxides. The resultant SiO₂ -Al₂ O₃ -MgO slurrywas filtered and washed until free of Cl⁻ ion, redispersed in H₂ O to atotal volume of 1 liter, and C g of NaOH, dissolved in a minimum amountof water, added with stirring. This final mixture was charged to anAminco superpressure bomb and heated, with rocking, at 285° C. for 2days. After cooling, the bomb was opened and the product slurryfiltered. The filter cake was washed (by redispersion and refiltration)twice with aqueous ammonia and once with water and then dried in an ovenat 110° C.

The various values of A, B, and C follow:

    ______________________________________                                         Example                                                                              A, g       B, g       C, g    α, g                              ______________________________________                                        N       96.4       0          3.2     0                                       O       92.0       19.3       3.8     1                                       P       69.0       38.7       3.8     2                                       Q       46.0       58.0       3.8     3                                       R       23.0       77.4       3.8     4                                       ______________________________________                                    

The foregoing examples all correspond to the series:

    7 SiO.sub.2 :(5- α )Al(OH).sub.3 :α MgO

wherein α varies from zero to 4, as given in the above tabulation.

The number of products selected from the foregoing examples were testedfor catalytic cracking activity. The following tabulation shows theresults of dimethylbutane cracking at 525° C.

                  TABLE VII                                                       ______________________________________                                                       % Conv.    E.sub.a Surface Area,                               Example                                                                              Metal   525° C.                                                                           Kcal/mole                                                                             m.sup.2 /gm                                 ______________________________________                                        A      Ni      *          *       187                                         F      Co      30         22      156                                         H      Cr      57.5       10      214                                         I      Fe      4.3        32      96                                          J      Cu      46         18      173                                         N      Al      88         18.2    96.5                                        O      Mg      2.2        41.0    93.2                                        P      Mg      1.2        43      120                                         Q      Mg      1.5        43      105                                         R      Mg      2.5        45      174                                         ______________________________________                                          *Extremely active catalyst. Products contained only C, CH.sub.4, H.sub.2     Nature of products put run outside the scope of the DMB method.               Note:                                                                         Catalyst pretreatment did not include steam deactivation.                

The succeeding tabulation shows the results of cetane cracking tests at500° C.

                  TABLE VIII                                                      ______________________________________                                                     %             Vol H.sub.2, liters                                             Conv.   Gaso. STP per gm                                                                              gm Coke gm                               Ex.  Metal   500° C.                                                                        Conv. Cetane Cracked                                                                          Cetane Cracked                           ______________________________________                                        A    Ni      79.5    0.202 0.410     0.282                                    J    Cu      40.6    0.436 --        0.14                                     N    Al      65.9    0.517 0.0055    0.0094                                   O    Mg      68.4    0.570 --        0.0500                                   P    Mg      34.9    0.896                                                    Q    Mg       3.8    1.0                                                      R    Mg      69.4    0.527                                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES S, T, U, V, W,

These five examples constitute a series of similar preparations in whichcobalt and mixtures of nickel and cobalt were included in thepreparations. The general procedure was the same for all examples inthis group and consisted of mixing the starting materials specifiedbelow in the proportions given, mixing thoroughly, and charging into asilver lined, 15 ml capacity stainless steel autoclave. This was sealedand heated in a furnace at 350°C. for 24 hours. At the end of thisperiod, the autoclave was removed, quenched in cold water, and thecontents removed. The product slurry was mixed with deionized water withagitation and then filtered and washed until free of chloride ion. Thefilter cake was dried at 60° C. overnight, ground, and studied by X-rayand infrared techniques.

The following materials were used:

A ml of 2.213 formal* CoCl₂ solution,

B ml of b 3.085 F NiCl.sub. 2 solution,

C ml of 2.390 AlCl.sub. 3 solution,

D ml of 10.09F (or N) NaOH solution,

(or, in some cases, E ml of 10.97 N NaOH solution),

F gms of Fisher silicic acid (SiO₂.sup. . 0.635 H₂ O), and

G ml deionized water

The various values of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G for the examples are givenbelow:

    ______________________________________                                        Ex.   A, ml    B, ml   C, ml D, ml E, ml                                                                              F, g G, ml                            ______________________________________                                        S     9.04     --      16.76 17.2  --   4.76 8.4                              T     27.12    --      8.4   19.9  --   4.28 1.6                              U     1.13     0.80    16.2  --    12.2 5.11 16.8                             V     4.52     3.22    16.76 --    17.2 5.23 5.9                              W     13.6     9.65    8.4   --    18.2 4.71 1.6                              ______________________________________                                    

Structural investigations by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopygave the fllowing results for the products obtained:

                                      TABLE IX                                    __________________________________________________________________________                     001 spacing,                                                                          06 spacing                                                                           Wt  06 Sp.                                                                              Wt.                                 Ex.                                                                              Co/u.c.                                                                            Ni/u.c.                                                                            x   A       trioct., A                                                                           Fac.                                                                              dioct., A                                                                           Fac.                                __________________________________________________________________________    S  2    nil  4/3 14.5    1.531   390                                                                              1.495 320                                 T  6    nil  2   14.7    1.538  1090                                                                              n.p.* --                                  U  0.25 0.25 1/3 11.2    n.p.   --  1.488 680                                 V  1    1    4/3 12.6    1.526   410                                                                              1.489 260                                 W  3    3    2   13.2    1.531  1220                                                                              n.p.  --                                  __________________________________________________________________________     *n.p.: not present.                                                      

In Table IX, the second and third columns and third columns give thenumber of atoms of cobalt and nickel respectively per unit cell. Thevalue of x given refers to the general structural formula given near thebeginnng of this specification. The 001 spacing was determined by X-raydiffraction, and the trioctahedral and dioctahedral 06 spacings werelikewise thus determined. The weight factor expresses the relativepreponderance of the two phases.

It will be helpful to outline a procedure by which it may be determnedif a given preparation falls within the scope of the inventivecompositions, with particular reference to the formulation set forthhereinabove and in the claims.

First, x-rau diffraction must establish the material in question to be a2:1 layer silicate by procedures well known to those skilled in the art.Of particular help in this instance would be pertinent subject matter inthe text by G. Brown, cited hereinabove. The material being examinedshould be substantially free of accessory phases.

It is then necessary to obtain a total analysis of the sample, expressedas the oxides of the cations in their original oxidation states.Suitable analytical methods are discussed in Furman, N. H., Ed. "Scott'sStandard Methods of Chemical Analysis", 6th Ed. Van Nostrand, New York,(1962), Vol. I, Chapter 41. If fluoride is present the percent oxidesplus percent fluoride is corrected by subtracting the percentage offluoride ion multiplied by the quotient of the equivalent weight ofoxygen ion divided by the equivalent weight of fluoride ion. Adequacy ofthe analysis is indicated if this corrected total lies beween 99.5% and100.5%. The analysis is recalculated as charge equivalents (i.e., cationequivalents x cation charge), normalized to charges per 44 charges (thenegative charge per unit cell of the oxygen-hydroxyl framework of the2:1 layer silicates) and finally expressed as cations per unit cell(e.g., the silicon charges per 44 charges divided by the charge of thesilicon cation). These cations are then distributed over the tetrahedraland octahedral layers in accord with the tabulated lists of cationsfalling into the categories G, Y, Q, and R. In this way the values ofthe various subscripts in the general formula can be obtained. Examplesof this technique, a statement of the rules for cation distribution, anda discussion of the uncertainties involved and the meaning of theresults can be found in Kelly, W. P., "Interpretation of chemicalanalyses of clays", Clays and Clay Technology, Bulletin 169 of theCalifornia Division of Mines (1955), pp. 92-94; and Osthaus, B. B.,"Interpretation of chemical analyses of montmorillonite", samereference, pp. 95-100.

An illustrative example follows. This particular exmple has beenselected to include the complexities arising from mixed di- andtrioctahedral phases, mixed 1:1 and 3:2 substitution octahedrally, andmixed 4- and 6-fold coordinated aluminum ion.

    __________________________________________________________________________                         Charges                                                             Cation                                                                             Charge                                                                             44   Cations                                             Analysis   Equiv.                                                                             Equiv.                                                                             Charges                                                                            U.C. Distribution                                   __________________________________________________________________________    SiO.sub.2                                                                           50.59                                                                              0.842                                                                              3.37 27.59                                                                              6.90 Tet: Si,6.90                                   Al.sub.2 O.sub.3                                                                    23.33                                                                              0.458                                                                              1.37 11.25                                                                              3.75 Al,1.10 1.10-                                  NiO   16.86                                                                              0.226                                                                              0.451                                                                               3.70                                                                              1.85 Oct: Al,2.65                                   (NH.sub.4).sub.2 O                                                                  4.61 0.177                                                                              0.177                                                                               1.45                                                                              1.45 Ni,1.85 0.35-                                  F     2.09 0.110                                                                              --   --   --   1.45-                                          H.sub.2 O                                                                           3.41                     Interlayer:                                          100.89    5.369                                                                              43.99     NH.sub.4 : 1.45 ----1.45+                       ##STR1##                                                                           -0.88                                                                   Corr.                                                                         Total 100.01                                                                  __________________________________________________________________________

From the tabulated calculation, x in the general formula is 1.10, 3w is1.85, and ew=4-2.65=1.35, so that e= 2.19. The value of f can beobtained by noting that F/Si=f/(8-x)= 0.131. Since x=1.10, f= 0.90. .The coefficient, d, of the amount of exchange ion (NH₄) is 1.45.Therefore, the average formula for this example is

[Al₂.65 Ni₁.85 Si₆.90 Al₁.10 O₂₀ (OH)₃.1 F₀.9 ]1.45NH₄.

comparison of the inventive ranges of x, e, w, f, and d and the ionswhich can fill the roles of G, Y, Q, R, and C with the results shownabove demonstrates that the example falls within the scope of theinvention.

An alternate method of calculation is based on the use of ionic ratios.However, the method is still dependent on the aluminum distrubutionbetween 4- and 6-fold states. If we define Si/Al= R₁ = (8- x)/(4- ew+x); Si/Ni=R₂ =(8 - x)/3w; Al¹ IV /Al.sup. VI =R₃ ; and F/Si=R₄ = f/(8 -x), it can be shown that

    x =8R.sub.3 /R.sub.1 R.sub.3 + R.sub.1 +R.sub.3)           (1)

    w= (8 -x)/3R.sub.2                                         (2)

    e = (4R.sub.3 - x)/w R.sub.3                               (3)

    d (if exchange cation is monovalent)= x + (e - 2)3w        (4)

Once x is obtained from the ratios and eq (1), w can be calculatedaccording to eq. (2), e from eq (3) with x and w; and finally d from eq.(4). From the analysis given, R₁ =1.84; R₂ = 3.73; and R₄ = 0.131. Fromthe distribution given, R₃ = 0.416. Thus, x= 1.10; w = 0.617, e=2.19,and d = 1.45 from equations 1 through 1, in good agreement with thevalues obtained by the distribution procedure. The value of f cn berecovered from R₄ as shown above. This calculation is presented simplyto show the validity of equations 1 through 4. Given such validity, anyanalytical method or combination of methods that provides accuratevalues of the required ratios will give the correct values of x, w, e,and d.

From the foregoing examples, it is apparent that a general method ofproducing the laminar 2:1 layer lattice aluminosilicate mineral of thisinvention can be described in the following manner. To a dispersion ofamorphous silica in water is added, with stirring, suitable sources ofthe ions G, Y, Q, and R, (note that silicon is the predominant part ofQ).

Such sources are the hydrous oxides and simple inorganic and organicsalts of the ions listed in the tables of ionic radii, which werepresented hereinabove. If a salt is used, it is convenient, but notnecessary, to choose anions which either enter lattice positions (forexample, fluoride or silicofluoride) or are readily removed from theproduct by calcination (for example, acetate and nitrate).Alternatively, anions may be selected which result in solubleby-products which can be removed from the feed slurry or alternativelyfrom the product by filtration and washing. However, the filtrationrates of layer aluminosilicates are low and large-scale productionfiltration of the product is best avoided.

Once the mixture of silica and G, Y, Q, and R is obtained, within thecompositional limits stated hereinabove, the appropriate amount ofcharge-balancing cation C is added, conveniently as the hydroxide orfluoride or mixtures of both. As stated hereinabove, C may be selectedfrom the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, heavymetal, heavy metal partial hydroxy, ammonium, substituted ammonium,substituted phosphonium, and the like cations and mixtures thereof. Itis preferred that C be ammonium.

This final feed mixture is then charged to a pressure vessel and heatedunder at least autogenous pressure at a temperature generally in therange 250° C. to 350° C. In general, the time for crystallization of theproduct decreases with increase in temperature. However, the pressureincreases with temperature and the higher temperatures require massivereaction vessels. A convenient temperature is 300° C., which in anaqueous system results in a pressure of 1240 psig. At the end of thecrystallization time, the product slurry can be cooled by any convenientmeans (for example, discharge through a quench condenser and athrottling valve to atmospheric pressure). The product can be recoveredby direct drying of the slurry if the unwanted anions present arethermally decomposable, or by filtration, washing, and drying if theseanions are not thermally decomposable but are present as solubleby-products. The product can then be further treated by whateverprocessing is required by the intended end use. For example, the productcan be exchanged to the ammonium form, dried, at for example 105° C. to180° C., and then if desired calcined, for example, at 400° C. to 700°C. It then is suitable for many catalytic operations, such ashydrocarbon cracking. Of course, if the temperature during the catalyticprocedure is high, for example within the exemplary calcination rangejust given, then calcination need not be a separate step, as it occursautomatically. For other catalytic operations, the ammonium exchange,the drying, or the calcining, or all three, may be variously omitted.

It will be understood that while I have explained the invention with theaid of numerous specific examples, nevertheless considerable variationis possible in choice of raw materials, proportions, processingconditions, and the like, within the broad scope of the invention as setforth in the claims which follow:

Having described the invention I claim:
 1. The process of crackinghydrocarbons which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock at atemperature high enough to bring about cracking with a catalystconsisting essentially of a synthetic laminar 2:1 layer-latticealuminosilicate mineral possessing an inherent negative charge balancedby cations exterior to said lattice and corresponding to the followingformula for a given embodiment:

    [(G.sup.3.sub.4-ew Y.sup.2.sub.3w).sup.VI (Q.sup.4.sub.8-x R.sup.3.sub.x).sup.IV O.sub.20 (OH).sub.4-f F.sub.f ].[ dC.sup. y ]

where 2≦e<3 0≦w≦2 0≦ew≦4 0≦(e-2)w≦1/3 0.05≦x<2 f≦4
 0. 05≦dy ≦2whereinsaid first bracket represents the average unit cell formulation of saidlayer lattice and said second bracket represents said charge balancingcations; and wherein G is selected from the class consisting oftrivalent cations having an ionic radius not to exceed 0.75 A andmixtures thereof, provided that G is less than 100 mole percent Al whenw=o; Y is selected from the class consisting of divalent cations havingan ionic radius not to exceed 0.75 A and mixtures thereof; provided thatY is less than 100 mole percent Mg when w=2; Q is at least 95 molepercent silicon ions, the remainder consisting of tetravalent cationshaving an ionic radius not to exceed 0.64 A; R is selected from thegroup consisting of trivalent cations having an ionic radius not toexceed 0.64 A and mixtures thereof; and C is at least one chargebalancing cation, with y being its valence and d being the number ofsuch cations C where:

    dy= x+3(e-2)w

and thereafter recovering the products resulting from said cracking. 2.The process of cracking hydrocarbons which comprises contacting ahydrocarbon feedstock with the catalyst in accordance with claim 1 inwhich said Y is nickel at a temperature high enough to bring aboutcracking, and thereafter recovering the products resulting from saidcracking.
 3. The process of cracking hydrocarbons which comprisescontacting a hydrocarbon feedstock with the catalyst in accordance withclaim 1 in which said second bracket has the composition.

    [aM.sup. n +bAl (OH).sub.3-z.sup.z ]

wherein

    an+bz=dy= x+3(e-2)w

and M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonium,alkali metal cations, multivalent metal cations other than aluminum, andpartial hydroxides of multivalent metal cations, an n is the unsatisfiedvalence of M, at a temperature high enough to bring about cracking, andthereafter recovering the products resulting from said cracking.
 4. Theprocess of cracking hydrocarbons which comprises contacting ahydrocarbon feedstock with the catalyst in accordance with claim 1wherein said mineral has been placed into its ammonium exchange form,and thereafter calcined, prior to said contacting, at a temperature highenough to bring about cracking, and thereafter recovering the productsresulting from said cracking.
 5. The process of cracking hydrocarbonswhich comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock with the catalyst inaccordance with claim 4 in which said calcination takes place at atemperature within the range of about 400° C. to about 700° C.